Um no. The cheapest GTX480 on there is my weeks wage after tax, and I'm not on minimum wage. Of course it depends where you live as to what you earn for your job, but that's not minimum wage no matter where you are.

New flagship graphics cards are normally about that price on release. I paid $900 for my x800pro, about $800 for my 8800GTX.

It is much more expensive than America. The main reason, it would seem, is that the Australian dollar was historically worth 60-70 US cents for a very long time. In the last few years, the Australian dollar is worth over 90 US cents, but retails have kept their prices the same, taking increased profits.

It's changing a bit now. Companies like MSi, Sparkle, Palit etc will hit the market with significantly lower prices. Once everyone gets there products into the Australian market you will see a big price range for what is essentially the same product. It's not uncommon to see a flagship card by Asus selling for $1000 right next to an MSi product, on the same retailer's price list, seeling for $650.

Minimum wage for an adult, working a 38-40 hour week would be about $450 after tax I think these days.